Towards Practical Application of Li-S Battery with High Sulfur Loading and Lean Electrolyte:Will Carbon-Based Hosts Win This Race?

As the need for high-energy–density batteries continues to grow, lithium-sulfur(Li–S) batteries have become a highly promising next-generation energy solution due to their low cost and exceptional energy density compared to commercially available Li-ion batteries. Research into carbon-based sulfur hosts for Li–S batteries has been ongoing for over two decades, leading to a significant number of publications and patents.However, the commercialization of Li–S batteries has yet to be realized. This can be attributed, in part, to the instability of the Li metal anode. However, even when considering just the cathode side, there is still no consensus on whether carbon-based hosts will prove to be the best sulfur hosts for the industrialization of Li–S batteries. Recently, there has been controversy surrounding the use of carbon-based materials as the ideal sulfur hosts for practical applications of Li–S batteries under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions. To address this question, it is important to review the results of research into carbon-based hosts, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and provide a clear perspective. This review systematically evaluates the merits and mechanisms of various strategies for developing carbon-based host materials for high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions. The review covers structural design and functional optimization strategies in detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of the development of sulfur hosts. The review also describes the use of efficient machine learning methods for investigating Li–S batteries. Finally, the outlook section lists and discusses current trends, challenges, and uncertainties surrounding carbon-based hosts, and concludes by presenting our standpoint and perspective on the subject.

Mixed‑Dimensional Assembly Strategy to Construct Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Foams Heterostructures for Microwave Absorption,Anti‑Corrosion and Thermal Insulation

Considering the serious electromagnetic wave(EMW)pollution problems and complex application condition,there is a pressing need to amalgamate multiple functionalities within a single substance.However,the effective integration of diverse functions into designed EMW absorption materials still faces the huge challenges.Herein,reduced graphene oxide/carbon foams(RGO/CFs)with two-dimensional/three-dimensional(2D/3D)van der Waals(vdWs)heterostructures were meticulously engineered and synthesized utilizing an efficient methodology involving freeze-drying,immersing absorption,secondary freeze-drying,followed by carbonization treatment.Thanks to their excellent linkage effect of amplified dielectric loss and optimized impedance matching,the designed 2D/3D RGO/CFs vdWs heterostructures demonstrated commendable EMW absorption performances,achieving a broad absorption bandwidth of 6.2 GHz and a reflection loss of-50.58 dB with the low matching thicknesses.Furthermore,the obtained 2D/3D RGO/CFs vdWs heterostructures also displayed the significant radar stealth properties,good corrosion resistance performances as well as outstanding thermal insulation capabilities,displaying the great potential in complex and variable environments.Accordingly,this work not only demonstrated a straightforward method for fabricating 2D/3D vdWs heterostructures,but also outlined a powerful mixeddimensional assembly strategy for engineering multifunctional foams for electromagnetic protection,aerospace and other complex conditions.

Microwave digestion and alkali fusion assisted hydrothermal synthesis of zeolite from coal fly ash for enhanced adsorption of Cd(Ⅱ) in aqueous solution

A novel microwave digestion and alkali fusion assisted hydrothermal method was proposed to synthesize zeolite from coal fly ash and the zeolite product was studied for removal of Cd(II)from aqueous solution through batch experiments.The adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,surface area analyzer and zeta potential measurement.The results show that the synthetic zeolite was identified as faujasite.The optimum conditions for removal of Cd(II)are found to be:adsorbent dose of0.5g/L,pH6,contact time of90min and initial concentration of20mg/L,the removal rate of Cd(II)is98.55%.The experimental kinetic data agree well with the pseudo second-order equation;the Langmuir isotherm model is found to be more suitable to explicate the experimental equilibrium isotherm results than Freundlich,Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin models,and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II)is found to be86.96mg/g.The thermodynamic parameters such asΔGΘ,ΔHΘandΔSΘwere evaluated and the results show that the adsorption of Cd(II)onto the as-synthesized zeolite is spontaneous,endothermic and feasible under studied conditions.

Digestion mechanism and crystal simulation of roasted low-grade high-sulfur bauxite

Low-grade high-sulfur bauxite was pretreated via suspension roasting and muffle furnace roasting to remove sulfur and enhance digestion properties.The results show that sulfur can be efficiently removed,and the alumina digestion properties are significantly improved after suspension roasting.Under optimal conditions(t=70 min,T=280°C,w(CaO)=8%and Nk=245 g/L),the digestion ratios are 94.45%and 92.08%for the suspension-roasted and muffle-roasted ore,respectively,and the apparent activation energies are 63.26 and 64.24 kJ/mol,respectively.Two crystal models were established by Materials Studio based on the XRD patterns.The DFT simulation shows that the existing Al—O bands after suspension roasting can improve alumina digestion.The(104)and(113)planes of Al2O3 after suspension roasting are found to combine with NaOH more easily than those of Al2O3 treated in a muffle furnace.

Influence of multi-stage heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TC21 titanium alloy

Duplex-structured TC21 alloy samples were first solution-treated at a higher temperature in theα+βregion(940°C)with furnace cooling(FC),air cooling(AC),and water cooling(WC),followed by a second-stage solution treatment at a lower temperature in theα+βregion(900°C),and then finally aged at 590°C.The effects of the morphology and quantity ofαphases on the structure and properties of the TC21 alloy after the different heat treatments were analyzed.The in-situ tensile deformation process and crack propagation behavior were observed using scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The quantity of equiaxedαphases as well as the thickness of lamellarαphases reduced,the tensile strength increased firstly and then decreased,the elongation decreased with the increasing cooling rate after the first-stage solution treatment.The amount and size of lamellarαphases increased after the second-stage solution treatment because of sufficient diffusion of the alloying elements,thereby leading to increased tensile strength.The amount of dispersedαphases increased after the third-stage aging treatment owing to the increase in the nucleation rate,resulting in a noteworthy strengthening effect.After the third-stage aging treatment,the first-stage FC sample exhibited better mechanical properties because it contained more equiaxedαandβtrans phases than the first-stage AC and WC samples.

Suspension calcination and alkali leaching of low-grade high-sulfur bauxite:Desulfurization, mineralogical evolution and desilication

To enable the utilization of low-grade and high-sulfur bauxite, the suspension calcination was used to remove the sulfur and the activate silica minerals, and the calcinated bauxite was subjected to a desilication process in Na OH solution under atmospheric pressure. The desulfurization and desilication properties and mineralogical evolution were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and FactSage methods. The results demonstrate that the suspension calcination method is efficient for sulfur removal: 84.21% of S was removed after calcination at 1000°C for 2 min. During the calcination process, diaspore and pyrite were transferred to α-Al2O3, magnetite, and hematite. The phase transformation of pyrite follows the order FeS2 → Fe3O4 → Fe2O3, and the iron oxides and silica were converted into iron silicate. In the alkali-soluble desilication process, the optimum condition was an alkali solution concentration of 110 g/L, a reaction time of 20 min, and a reaction temperature of 95°C. The corresponding desilication ratio and alumina loss ratio were 44.9% and 2.4%, respectively, and the alumina-to-silica mass ratio of the concentrate was 7.9. The Al2O3·2SiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3 formed during the calcination process could react with Na OH solution, and their activity decreased in the order of Al2O3·2 SiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3.

Adsorption of residual amine collector HAY from aqueous solution by refined carbon from coal fly ash and activated carbon

Refined carbon(RC) derived from coal fly ash(CFA) as well as powdered activated carbon(PAC) was investigated as adsorbent to remove residual amine collector HAY from aqueous solution.The RC and PAC were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),surface area measurement,Zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy.The effect factors and mechanisms of HAY adsorption onto RC and PAC were studied in detail.The results show that the experimental kinetic data agree well with the pseudo second-order equation,and the Langmuir isotherm model is found to be more appropriate to explicate the experimental equilibrium isotherm results than the Freundlich model.The adsorption capacities of PAC and RC increase with pH.It is found that alkaline condition is conducive to the adsorption of HAY onto PAC and RC and the adsorption efficiency of RC is close to PAC at pH near 11.Zeta potential variation of adsorbents suggests that HAY generates electrostatic adsorption onto RC and PAC.FTIR analysis shows that the adsorption is dominantly of a physical process.The Box-Behnken design optimization conditions of process are RC 1 g/L,pH 11,temperature 302 K and initial HAY concentration 100 mg/L.Under these conditions,the measured adsorption ratio and adsorption capacity are 87.91%and 87.91 mg/g,respectively.Thus,the RC is considered to be a potential adsorbent for the removal of residual amine from aqueous solution.

First Principles Study on Elastic Constants,Ferromagnetism and Electronic Structures of Alloyed Fe3Si Doped with Mo,Ti or Nb

Elastic constants,ferromagnetism and electronic structures of Fe11MoSi4,Fe11TiSi4,and Fe11NbSi4 are studied by first-principles calculations with density functional theory(DFT).It is found that the ductility of Fe3Si could be obviously improved with the addition of Ti.The G/B0 of Fe11TiSi4 is 0.483,which means that it is ductile.The strong interaction of Fe 3d-Ti 3d intensifies the metallic character.However,Fe11NbSi4 has the optimal ferromagnetism.The total magnetic moments of the Fe11NbSi4 is 20.42μB.The difference between spin-up electrons and spin-down electrons at the Fermi level markedly varies with different alloying elements;furthermore,the difference at EF in the Nb case is the highest.

Carbothermal reduction characteristics of oxidized Mn ore through conventional heating and microwave heating

For the purpose of exploring a potential process to produce FeMn,the effects of microwave heating on the carbothermal reduction characteristics of oxidized Mn ore was investigated.The microwave heating curve of the mixture of oxidized Mn ore and coke was analyzed in association with the characterization of dielectric properties.The comparative experiments were conducted on the carbothermal reductions through conventional and microwave heatings at temperatures ranging from 973 to 1373 K.The thermogravimetric analysis showed that carbothermal reactions under microwave heating proceeded to a greater extent and at a faster pace compared with those under conventional heating.The metal phases were observed in the microstructures only under microwave heating.The carbothermal reduction process under microwave heating was discussed.The electric and magnetic susceptibility differences were introduced into the thermodynamics analysis for the formation of metal Mn.The developed thermodynamics considered that microwave heating could make the reduction of MnO to Mn more accessible and increase the reduction extent.

Fully Bio-Based Composites of Poly(Lactic Acid)Reinforced with Cellulose-Graft-Poly-(ε-Caprolactone)Copolymers

Due to the increasing demand for modified polylactide(PLA)meeting“double green”criteria,the research on sustainable plasticizers for PLA has attracted broad attentions.This study reported an open-ring polymerization method to fabricate cellulose(MCC)-g-PCL(poly(ε-caprolactone))copolymers with a fully sustainable and biodegradable component.MCC-g-PCL copolymers were synthesized,characterized,and used as green plasticizers for the PLA toughening.The results indicated that the MCC-g-PCL derivatives play an important role in the compatibility,crystallization,and toughening of the PLA/MCC-g-PCL composites.The mechanical properties of the fully bio-based PLA/MCC-g-PCL composites were optimized by adding 15 wt%MCC-g-PCL,that is,the elongation at break was 22.6%(~376%higher than that of neat PLA),the tensile strength was 47.3 MPa(comparable to that of neat PLA),and the impact strength was 26 J/m(~130%higher than that of neat PLA).DSC results indicated that MCC-g-PCL reduced the Tg of the PLA blend.When the addition amount was 15 wt%,the Tg of the blend was 58.4°C.Compared with MCC,MCC-g-PCL polyester plasticizer has better thermal stability,T5%(°C)can still be maintained above 300°C.The rheological results showed that MCC-g-PCL acted as a plasticizer,the introduction of PCL flexible chain increased the mobility of PLA molecular chain,and decreased the complex viscosity,storage modulus and loss modulus of PLA blends.The MCC-g-PCL derivatives,as a new green plastic additive,have shown an interesting prospect to prepare fully bio-based composites.

Application and Properties of Organic Emulsion Coated Phosphogypsum in Aluminous Rock Based Mineral Polymer Composite

A polarizing microscope,X-ray diffraction(XRD),fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR),scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer(SEM-EDS),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),and micro computed tomography(Micro CT)were used to investigate the relation between the structure and properties of the composite.Meanwhile,the physical properties,mechanical properties and strength mechanism were researched.The experimental results show that the structure and morphology of coated phosphogypsum remain intact in the composite,which shows good compatibility and forms a clear interface layer of transition zone between the coated phosphogypsum and the matrix,conforming to the structure of particle reinforced inorganic composites.The emulsion coated phosphogypsum has a certain strengthening effect on the aluminous rock mineral polymer composite.The compressive strength of the composite can reach 16.5 MPa when the amount of coated phosphogypsum is 40%,and the apparent density is 1.75 g·cm^(-3),which is significantly lower than that of common concrete;the thermal stability of the composite is also improved to a certain extent.Some certain chemical reactions occur in the process of forming the matrix of aluminous rock mineral polymer materials,with a structure of three-dimensional network.The research will provide a new way for the comprehensive utilization of phosphogypsum and low-grade aluminous rock.

Stitching Perovskite Grains with Perhydropoly(Silazane)Anti-Template-Agent for High-Efficiency and Stable Solar Cells Fabricated in Ambient Air

All inorganic CsPbI_(3)perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have emerged as disruptive photovoltaic technology owing to their admirable photoelectric properties and the non-volatile active layer.However,the phase instability against moisture severely limits the fabrication environment for the high-efficiency devices,breaking through the confinement region to achieve scalable manufacturing has been the primary issue for future commercialization.Here,we develop a curing-anti-solvent strategy for fabricating high-quality and stable black-phase CsPbI_(3)perovskite films in ambient air by introducing an inorganic polymer perhydropolysilazane(PHPS)into methyl acetate to form anti-template agent.The cross-linked PHPS reduces moisture erosions while the hydrolyzate silanol network(–Si(OH)_(4)^(–))controls the perovskite crystal growth by forming Lewis adducts with PbI_(2)during the fabrication.The polycondensation adduct of Si–O–Si/Si–O–Pb strongly binds to CsPbI_(3)grains as a shield layer to hamper phase transition.Using the inorganic CsPbI_(3)perovskite thin-film with PHPS-modified anti-solvent processing as the light absorber,the n–i–p planar solar cell achieved an efficiency of 19.17%under standard illumination test conditions.More importantly,the devices showed excellent moisture stability,retaining about 90%of the initial efficiency after 1000 h under 30%RH.

Synthesis,phase transformation and applications of CeCO_(3)OH:A review

CeCO_(3)OH has a unique crystal structure and excellent optical,electronic and catalytic properties,which has been widely investigated for many applications.Interestingly,ceria obtained from CeCO_(3)OH has a morphology that is similar to that of the precursor,and the CeO_(2)-based products obtained from CeCO_(3)OH exhibit outstanding properties,such as catalytic performances,owing to their designed morphology and oxygen vacancies(OVs).To introduce CeCO_(3)OH into a wider range of potential researchers,we first systematically review the physico-chemical properties,synthesis,reaction and morphology tuning mechanism of CeCO_(3)OH,and summarize the conversion behavior from CeCO_(3)OH to ceria.Then,we thoroughly survey the applications of CeCO_(3)OH and its conversion products.Suggestions for further investigations of CeCO_(3)OH are also made in this review.It is hoped that the exhaustive co mpilation of the valuable properties and considerable potential investigations of CeCO_(3)OH will promote further applications of CeCO_(3)OH and CeO_(2)-based functional materials.

Boric Acid-Assisted Pyrolysis for High-Loading Single-Atom Catalysts to Boost Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Zn-Air Batteries

The emerging of single-atom catalysts(SACs)offers a great opportunity for the development of advanced energy storage and conversion devices due to their excellent activity and durability,but the actual mass production of high-loading SACs is still challenging.Herein,a facile and green boron acid(H_(3)BO_(3))-assisted pyrolysis strategy is put forward to synthesize SACs by only using chitosan,cobalt salt and H_(3)BO_(3)as precursor,and the effect of H_(3)BO_(3)is deeply investigated.The results show that molten boron oxide derived from H_(3)BO_(3)as ideal high-temperature carbonization media and blocking media play important role in the synthesis process.As a result,the acquired Co/N/B tri-doped porous carbon framework(Co-N-B-C)not only presents hierarchical porous structure,large specific surface area and abundant carbon edges but also possesses high-loading single Co atom(4.2 wt.%),thus giving rise to outstanding oxygen catalytic performance.When employed as a catalyst for air cathode in Zn-air batteries,the resultant Co-N-B-C catalyst shows remarkable power density and long-term stability.Clearly,our work gains deep insight into the role of H_(3)BO_(3)and provides a new avenue to synthesis of high-performance SACs.

Performace of a Kind of Organic Emulsion Coated Phosphogypsum Particles

The phosphogypsum particles coated with organic emulsion were prepared by coating three kinds of organic emulsion of silicone-acrylic,styrene-acrylic and acrylic.The structure and mineralogical characteristics,acid and alkali resistance,water resistance and dissociation degree of coated phosphogypsum were studied by means of SEM-EDAX,optical microscope,gravimetric analysis and chemical detection.The results showed that the initial emulsion can be used directly for coating and granulation of phosphogypsum.The spray re-coating was carried out by using diluted emulsion with the water-to-emulsion mass ratio of 1∶1.The organic emulsion coated phosphogypsum crystal can be clearly observed,and the mixing zone at internal boundary between the organic emulsion and phosphogypsum crystal was distinguishable under the optical microscope.SEM photos showed that the surface of coated phosphogypsum particles was smooth.And the basic elements of C,O,S and Ca can be detected by EDAX.Organic emulsion can be solidified into film-network between the phosphogypsum crystals inside of the coated particles,and it can play a protective role in improving the acid resistance,alkali resistance and water resistance of phosphogypsum,and reduce the degree of dissociation of phosphogypsum in water.

Novel synthesis of SiO_x/C composite as high-capacity lithium-ion battery anode from silica-carbon binary xerogel

Micro/nanostructured SiOx/C composite was firstly synthesized by carbothermal reduction of silica-carbon binary xerogel.The homogeneous dispersion feature of the two components in binary xerogel contributes to effectively carbothermally reduce the O/Si atomic ratio,enhancing the electrochemical activity of the SiOx component.The micron-sized SiOx/C spheres are composed of many near-spherical nanoparticles.The synthesized SiOx/C exhibits a stable and high reversible capacity of 830 m A·h·g^-1 for 100 cycles,and excellent rate-capability.The homogeneous dispersion structure of phases,the micro/nanostructure and the high electrochemical activity of SiOx component combinedly contribute the excellent electrochemical performance.

Solid oxide membrane-assisted electrolytic reduction of Cr_(2)O_(3) in molten CaCl_(2)

Solid oxide membrane-assisted electrolytic reduction of solid Cr_(2)O_(3) to Cr in molten CaCl_(2) was performed using a sintered porous Cr_(2)O_(3) cathode paired with an yttria-stabilized zirconia(YSZ)tube anode containing carbon-saturated liquid copper alloy.Analyses of the reduction mechanism,ion migration behavior,and effects of cathode pellet porosity and particle size on the electrolysis products and reduction rate revealed that the cathode microstructure and electrolytic conditions were key factors influencing the electrolysis process.Optimal results were obtained when the cathode was characterized by high porosity and a small particle size because this combination of features contributed to ion migration.Good electrochemical activation was observed when cathode pellets prepared by 4 MPa molding followed by 2 h of sintering at 1150℃ were applied.The electrode reduction process(Cr^(3+)→Cr^(2+)→Cr)was promoted by high electrode voltages,and Cr metal was efficiently formed.The proposed method appears to be well suited for electrolytic Cr production because it does not require expensive pre-electrolysis techniques or generate harmful by-products.

Effect of hot deformation on α→β phase transformation in 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy

The effect of strain rate and deformation temperature on theα→βphase transformation in 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy with an initial widmanstattenαstructure was investigated.At the deformation temperature of 550°C,the volume fraction ofαphase decreased with increasing strain rate.At 600 and 650°C,the volume fraction ofαphase firstly increased to a maximum value with increasing strain rate from 1×10-3 to 1×10-2 s-1,and then decreased.At 700°C,the microstructure consisted of singleβphase.At a given strain rate,the volume fraction ofαphase decreased with increasing deformation temperature.With decreasing strain rate and increasing deformation temperature,the volume fraction and size of globularαphase increased.At 650°C and 1×10-3 s-1,the lamellarαphase was fully globularized.The variation in the volume fraction and morphology ofαphase with strain rate and deformation temperature significantly affected the hardness of 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy.

Preparation of BaAl_2O_4 by microwave sintering

The desulfurater(BaAl2O4) was successfully synthesized with BaCO3 and Al(OH)3 powders as raw materials by microwave sintering method.The mass loss of raw materials and the characterization of the outcome were investigated by means of TG-DSC,XRD and optical microscopy.The reaction mechanism was discussed.The experimental results show that synthesized BaAl2O4 by microwave sintering method is feasible.Compared with conventional sintering method,microwave sintering is a better way to synthesize BaAl2O4 with advantages of low temperature sintering,short time sintering and high synthesis rate.

A Novel Preparation Method of Organic-inorganic Aramid Nanofibers (ANFs) Hybrid Membrane Using Ethanol as Proton Donor

In the work,the surface of the titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))nano particles were modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane(KH550)first.And the ANFs were loaded with the different nano TiO_(2) assisted via the ultrasonic process.Then the organic and inorganic hybrid membrane were fabrication by vacuum assisted flocculation(VAF).Ethanol as a proton donor can realize the flocculation of ANFs.The results of the nanocomposites were characterized by Transmission electron microscope(TEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The SEM results indicated that the agglomeration of nanoparticles on ANF were reduced obviously,Through the preparation of aramid nanofiber membrane with the proton donor of ethanol,it is observed that the interlaced network structures of the membrane surface were constructed.The result of the UV data is that the addition of nano-titanium dioxide improves the UV absorption capacity of the fiber membrane.